Overview

The Republic of Malawi is a democratic country located in southeastern Africa. It has Zambia to the north-west, Tanzania to the north, and Mozambique surrounding it on the east, south, and west. The origin of the name Malawi remains unclear; it is held to be either derived from that of southern tribes, or noting the "glitter of the sun rising across the lake" (as seen in its flag). Malawi is one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most densely populated countries. Lilongwe, Malawi's capital has a population which exceeds 400,000. All government ministries and the Parliament are located in Lilongwe. Blantyre is Malawi's major commercial center and hosts the Supreme Court.

Sources:
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malawi
BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1068913.stm
The World Bank: http://www.worldbank.org/

Short History

Dr. Hastings K. Banda became Malawi's first Prime Minister on February 1, 1963, although the British still controlled Malawi's financial, security, and judicial systems. A new constitution took effect in May 1963, providing for virtually complete internal self-government. The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was dissolved on December 31, 1963, and Malawi became a fully independent member of the British Commonwealth on July 6, 1964. Two years later, Malawi became a republic with Dr. Banda as its first President, and was also declared a one-party state. In 1970 Banda was declared President for life of the MCP, and in 1971 Banda consolidated his power and was named President for Life.

However, increasing domestic unrest and pressure from Malawian churches and from the international community led to a referendum in which the Malawian people were asked to vote for a new form of government. On June 14, 1993, the people of Malawi voted overwhelmingly in favor of multi-party democracy. Free and fair national elections were held on May 17, 1994. Bakili Muluzi, leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF), was elected President in those elections. The UDF won 82 of the 177 seats in the National Assembly and formed a coalition government with the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD). That coalition disbanded in June 1996, but some of its members remained in the government.

Malawi's newly written constitution (1995) eliminated special powers previously reserved for the Malawi Congress Party. Accelerated economic liberalization and structural reform accompanied the political transition. Under the 1995 constitution, the president, who is both chief of state and head of the government, is chosen through universal direct suffrage every five years.

Malawi has a vice president who is elected with the president. Malawi's National Assembly has 193 seats, all directly elected to serve 5-year terms. The constitution also provides for a second chamber, a Senate of 80 seats, but to date no action has been taken to create the Senate. The Senate is intended to provide representation for traditional leaders and the different geographical districts, as well as various special interest groups, such as women, youth, and the disabled.

The third multiparty presidential and parliamentary elections, originally planned for May 18, 2004 were postponed by two days following a High Court appeal by the main opposition Mgwirizano (Unity) coalition. The run-up to the poll was overshadowed by opposition claims of irregularities in the voters' roll. European Union and Commonwealth observers said although voting passed peacefully, they were concerned about "serious inadequacies" in the poll.

Sources:
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malawi
BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1068913.stm
The World Bank: http://www.worldbank.org/

Economy

Malawi is a landlocked, densely populated country. Its economy is heavily dependent on agriculture. Malawi has few exploitable mineral resources. Its three most important export crops are tobacco, tea and sugar. Malawi's president recently urged farmers to consider growing other crops, such as cotton, as an alternative to the country's principal crop, tobacco, as cigarette consumption in the West continues to decline.

Traditionally Malawi has been self-sufficient in its staple food, maize, and during the 1980s exported substantial quantities to its drought-stricken neighbors. Agriculture represents 38.6% of the GDP, accounts for over 80% of the labor force, and represents about 80% of all exports. Nearly 90% of the population engages in subsistence farming. Smallholder farmers produce a variety of crops, including maize (corn), beans, rice, cassava, tobacco, and groundnuts (peanuts).

The agricultural sector contributes about 63.7% of total income for the rural population, 65% of manufacturing sector’s raw materials, and approximately 87% of total employment. Financial wealth is generally concentrated in the hands of a small elite. Malawi's manufacturing industries are situated around the city of Blantyre. Malawi's economic reliance on the export of agricultural commodities renders it particularly vulnerable to external shocks such as declining terms of trade and drought. High transport costs, which can comprise over 30% of its total import bill, constitute a serious impediment to economic development and trade.

Malawi must import all its fuel products. Paucity of skilled labor; difficulty in obtaining expatriate employment permits; bureaucratic red tape; corruption; and inadequate and deteriorating road, electricity, water, and telecommunications infrastructure further hinder economic development in Malawi. However, recent government initiatives targeting improvements in the road infrastructure, together with private sector participation in railroad and telecommunications, have begun to render the investment environment more attractive.

Malawi has undertaken economic structural adjustment programs supported by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other donors since 1981. Broad reform objectives include stimulation of private sector activity and participation through the elimination of price controls and industrial licensing, liberalization of trade and foreign exchange, rationalization of taxes, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and civil service reform.

Sources:
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malawi
BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1068913.stm
The World Bank: http://www.worldbank.org/

Culture

Migrations and tribal conflicts precluded the formation of a cohesive Malawian society until the turn of the 20th century. In more recent years, ethnic and tribal distinctions have diminished. Regional distinctions and rivalries, however, persist. Despite some clear differences, no significant friction currently exists between tribal groups, and the concept of a Malawian nationality has begun to take hold. Predominately a rural people, Malawians are generally conservative and traditionally nonviolent.

Though under the impact of modernization, Malawi's traditional culture is characterized by continuity as well as change, and the traditional life of the village has remained largely intact. One of the most distinctive features of Malawi culture is the enormous variety of traditional songs and dances that use the drum as the major musical instrument. Among the most notable of these dances are ingoma and gule wa mkulu for men and chimtali and visekese for women. There are various traditional arts and crafts, including sculpture in wood and ivory. There are two museums—the Museum of Malawi in Blantyre and a smaller one in Mangochi. While various cultural activities are organized by the Ministry of Youth and Culture, the University of Malawi Travelling Theatre, and other groups in Blantyre, the radio from Zomba and Lilongwe has proved to be the most effective means of bringing traditional and modern plays to the rural population.

Batik is a very popular art form in Malawi. The batik clothes are created by the help of wax. Among the other art forms there are hardwood carvings, soapstone carvings, basketwork, pottery, chief chairs, handicrafts and some other cottage industries. The Second World War influenced the music of Malawi very deeply. The soldiers from different countries carried their culture and tradition to the lands of Malawi. The musical instruments originating in that period are, among others, guitar and banjo.

Travel Document System: http://www.traveldocs.com/mw/culture.htm
USAID: http://www.usaid.gov/mw/aboutmalawi/cultureandreligion.htm

Tourism

Malawi has a convenient geographical split which allows for a ‘north Malawi’ itinerary and a ‘south Malawi’ itinerary. Each offers a combination of landscape, wildlife and lake.

• South Malawi: this route begins with some of Malawi’s most impressive scenery at Thyolo/Mulanje/Zomba, followed by safaris at Liwonde National Park, and ends at the Lakeshore.
• Around Blantyre: the Satemwa Tea Estates at Thyolo offer stunning views across to Mulanje and the Lower Shire Valley. There’s also the added attraction of staying on a working tea estate in charming colonial managers’ bungalows. For climbers/trekkers, Mount Mulanje is a must, but accommodation is basic and trips need to be arranged through a local ground handler
• Zomba Plateau: described in colonial times as "the best in the British Empire," the plateau provides unique views. Streams, tumbling waterfalls and still lakes are abundant in the area. Forest activities include walking, trekking and mountain biking.
• Liwonde National Park: this park is mostly known for its wildlife which includes large numbers of elephants and countless hippos and crocodiles. There are lions and leopards and, more recently, the black rhino has been re-introduced. Birdlife is exceptionally varied. The river attracts fish eagles and weaver birds build their nests in the thin woodland.
• Lakeshore: the greatest concentration of lodges and hotels is on the southern lakeshore between Mangochi and Monkey Bay. Along this stretch are half a dozen or so hotels, most with adjacent camping sites. They vary from sophisticated properties, with golf course and airstrip, to more simple resorts. All have excellent beaches and offer a range of activities on the Lake.
• North Malawi: the standard combination is Nyika National Park, Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve and the Lakeshore & Islands. In addition, the Viphya Plateau provides an extra highland destination.
• Nyika National Park: Nyika is Malawi’s largest park and offers tremendous opportunities for trekking, mountain biking and horse riding safaris, as well as more conventional 4x4 excursions. The vegetation attracts large numbers of antelope from the diminutive duiker to eland and roan. The park has one of the highest densities of leopard in Central Africa and there are a number of species of smaller mammals such as warthog and bushpig. Elephants, buffalo and lions are very common as well.
• Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve: an area along the Zambian border north-west of Mzuzu, the reserve has a wonderful mix of vegetation with forest and grassland, thin woodland and marsh. This rich habitat attracts a splendid range of nearly 300 species of birds.
• Viphya Highlands: the forested Viphya is a wonderful area for those seeking a combination of stunning scenery and solitude. It is an ideal area to unwind but there are also opportunities for trekking, mountain biking and various other activities.

http://www.malawitourism.com/Pages/Travel%20Advice/touringmalawi.html

HIV/AIDS

Malawi, like its neighbors in sub-Saharan Africa, has been severely affected by HIV/AIDS. The first case of AIDS in the country was diagnosed in 1985. Since then, epidemiological data show an escalating epidemic. For example, in a sample of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in urban Blantyre, HIV sero-prevalence rose from 2.6% in 1986 to over 30% in 1998, decreasing only slightly to 28.5% in 2001. In 2001, Malawi's national adult prevalence (15-49 years) was estimated at 15%, translating into almost 740,000 adults living with HIV/AIDS (National AIDS Commission [NAC], 2001).

HIV prevalence is almost twice as high in urban areas, at 25%, as in rural areas, at 13%. Annual deaths due to HIV/AIDS are estimated at over 80,000, amounting cumulatively to 555,000 deaths since 1985. The epidemic has affected all sectors of Malawian society, especially social services. For example, in the health sector, the maternal mortality rate has more than doubled, in large part due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

HIV/AIDS patients occupy more than 50% of medical ward beds, and more than 70% of all pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients also have HIV infection. In the education and agricultural sectors, teachers and extension workers, respectively, are dying at a faster rate than replacements can be trained. The economic viability of most homes has deteriorated due to loss of breadwinners and the consequent support of orphans by the elderly and older siblings.

In 2003 a national prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) strategy was launched. Under this strategy and the Government’s five-year AIDS treatment plan, access to the drug nevirapine (which significantly reduces the chances of a pregnant woman passing HIV on to her child) has been scaled up in Malawi. HIV testing is routinely offered to pregnant women at all antenatal clinics and at many hospitals, but there has been concern about the low numbers of women who choose to be tested. Pregnant women are often afraid that their HIV status will be revealed if they test positive, which they fear will lead to discrimination.

As is the case in many nations, women in Malawi are socially and economically subordinate to men. This inequality fuels HIV infection, as traditional gender roles allow men to sleep with a number of sexual partners and put women in a position where they are powerless to encourage condom use. Many women are brought up to never refuse sex with their husbands, and sexual abuse and coerced sex are common.

In some communities, traditional practices such as ‘wife inheritance’ – where a widow is married to (or required to have sex with) a relative of her husband upon his death – may also increase the risk of HIV transmission, particularly in cases where AIDS was the cause of death of the woman’s previous husband. Such rituals have been condemned by the Malawian Government and AIDS organizations working in the country.

HIV infection in Malawi is disproportionately female, and younger women are particularly affected. For instance, AIDS affects more than four times as many women as men amongst the 15-19 age group in Malawi, and about a third more women than men amongst the 20-25 age group. However, amongst those who are over 30 the trend reverses, as more men than women are affected. This pattern reflects the fact that younger women are often married to older men, or coerced into having sex with them. An increasing number of young girls are being forced into marriage with older men in Malawi, which has been one of the main factors behind the Government’s recent plans to raise the age of consent from 15 to 18.

HIV/AIDS Impact on Education Clearinghouse: http://hivaidsclearinghouse.unesco.org/ev_en.php?ID=3350_201&ID2=DO_TOPIC

AVERTS http://www.avert.org/aids-malawi.htm
UNAIDS: http://www.unaids.org/en/Regions_Countries/Countries/malawi.asp
The World Bank: http://www.worldbank.org/